<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hidden science behind tickling.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-discover-the-brain-s-tickling-command-center">Scientists discover the brain's 'tickling command center'</h2>



<p>Researchers have finally solved one of humanity's most enduring mysteries: why we can't <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/after-centuries-of-debate-we-still-dont-know-how-tickling-works/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickle</a> ourselves and what makes some people incredibly ticklish while others barely react? Recent scientific discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of this peculiar human behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-discovery-in-the-brain">Breakthrough discovery in the brain</h2>



<p>In 2023, Dr. Michael Brecht's team at <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt University</a>-<a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berlin</a> made a major discovery published in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(22)01991-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal <em>Neuron</em></a>. They identified the brain's actual "tickling command center" – specific neurons in a region called the periaqueductal gray that control both tickling responses and play behavior.</p>



<p>When researchers used cutting-edge optogenetic technology to shut down these neurons in laboratory rats, something remarkable happened. The animals completely lost their ability to be tickled or engage in playful behavior.</p>



<p>"We found that global blockade of the rat periaqueductal gray with either muscimol or lidocaine interfered with ticklishness and play," the research team reported in their study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-types-of-tickling-revealed">Two types of tickling revealed</h2>



<p>What we call "tickling" is two completely different phenomena, according to the latest research. Light tickling – that feathery sensation that makes you want to scratch – is essentially your body's sophisticated bug detection system. This alerts you to potential insects or parasites on your skin.</p>



<p>Deep tickling – the kind that makes you laugh uncontrollably – involves complex brain circuits and is fundamentally social. You literally cannot tickle yourself with this type of stimulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-self-tickling-is-impossible">Why self-tickling is impossible</h2>



<p>Your cerebellum acts like a prediction machine, recent findings show. When you move your own hand to touch yourself, your brain generates precise predictions about what you will feel and then cancels out the tickling sensation through neural inhibition.</p>



<p>When someone else tickles you, your brain can't predict their movements, so the full tickling response activates. It's like your brain's way of distinguishing between self and others.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-differences-explained">Individual differences explained</h2>



<p>Individual differences in ticklishness depend on genetics, psychology, and even trust. Dr. Xinzhong Dong at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> notes that people with denser nerve endings tend to be more sensitive.</p>



<p>Psychological factors matter just as much. You respond more strongly when tickled by people you trust, and anxiety completely shuts down tickling responses. This explains why the same physical stimulus can produce completely different reactions depending on who's doing the tickling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-your-ticklishness">Controlling your ticklishness</h2>



<p>Science offers answers for controlling your ticklishness. You can reduce tickling sensitivity through systematic desensitization – gradual exposure in controlled settings.</p>



<p>Dr. Konstantina Kilteni's 2025 research, published in <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt0350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>, reveals another technique: place your hand on the tickler's hand. This allows your brain to partially predict the sensations, reducing the tickling response by up to 90 percent.</p>



<p>"Your brain is essentially learning to override its own reflexes," Kilteni explained in her review of tickling research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-purpose-discovered">Evolutionary purpose discovered</h2>



<p>From an evolutionary perspective, tickling serves vital functions according to <a href="https://www.umd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> researcher Dr. Robert Provine's extensive studies. It trains our defense reflexes for vulnerable body areas and facilitates social bonding between family members.</p>



<p>Tickling-induced laughter is actually one of the first forms of communication between infants and caregivers. "Tickle involves a neurological self/nonself discrimination, providing the most primitive social scenario," Provine noted in his research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-applications-emerge">Clinical applications emerge</h2>



<p>Research shows people with autism spectrum disorder perceive touches as more ticklish than people without the condition. Investigating this difference could provide insight into brain differences and help advance autism research.</p>



<p>People with schizophrenia tend to experience self-touches similarly to external tickles, allowing them to essentially tickle themselves. This suggests altered sensory prediction mechanisms in the condition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-research-reveals-universal-nature">Animal research reveals universal nature</h2>



<p>Scientists have discovered that many species beyond humans are ticklish. Rats emit ultrasonic "laughs" when tickled, while chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans all respond to tickling stimulation.</p>



<p>This widespread occurrence across species suggests that tickling serves fundamental biological and social functions that evolved long before humans developed complex language and culture.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



<p>Dr. Kilteni argues that tickling research deserves more scientific attention. "It is a complex interplay of motor, social, neurological, developmental, and evolutionary aspects," she stated in her recent review.</p>



<p>New haptic technologies and advanced research methodologies now permit scientists to investigate tickle sensation with unprecedented precision. Standardized experimental methods using mechanical tickling devices ensure consistent results across studies.</p>



<p>Recent findings published in <em>Science Advances</em> show that tickling research is opening new doors in neuroscience, potentially leading to a better understanding of social behavior, sensory processing, and neurological conditions.</p>



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Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4 The hidden science behind tickling. Scientists discover the brain's 'tickling command center' Researchers have finally solved one of humanity's most enduring mysteries: why we can't tickle ourselves and what makes some people incredibly ticklish while others barely react? Recent scientific discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of this peculiar human behavior. Breakthrough discovery in the brain In 2023, Dr. Michael Brecht's team at Humboldt University-Berlin made a major discovery published in the journal Neuron. They identified the brain's actual "tickling command center" – specific neurons in a...

<p>Acne is annoying. It shows up suddenly, sometimes right before an important event, and refuses to go away quickly. People have tried creams, pills, face washes, and countless home remedies. Some work, some don’t, and many take weeks.</p>



<p>That’s why pimple patches became so popular. You peel one off, stick it on the zit, and hope for the best. But researchers have now created a version that does much more than hide the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/teen-skin-bacteria-could-hold-the-secret-to-acne-prevention/">problem</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regular-pimple-patches-fall-short">Regular pimple patches fall short</h2>



<p>Regular pimple patches soak up oil and moisture. Some release anti-inflammatory or antibacterial medicine. Others use microarrays - rows of tiny spikes - to push ingredients under the skin. They work, but there’s a catch. </p>



<p>These spikes often shift during use, making the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/summer-skin-care-dermatologists-reveal-the-ingredients-they-trust/">patch</a> less effective and sometimes irritating. Shayan Fakhraei Lahiji, Yong-Hee Kim, and their colleagues thought they could fix this problem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-pimple-patch-that-locks-into-skin">A pimple patch that locks into skin</h2>



<p>The team used a 3D printer to make arrowhead-shaped spikes instead of straight ones. These new shapes grip the skin and stay in place. The base of the patch is made of hyaluronic acid, a common skincare ingredient that also hydrates. </p>



<p>Into that base, the researchers added either antibacterial agents like salicylic acid and cannabis sativa extract or anti-inflammatory agents such as niacinamide and chamomile extract. This design allowed them to treat acne in two stages - kill bacteria first, then calm the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-comfort-depends-more-on-your-skin-than-the-air-temperature/">skin</a>.</p>



<p>The patch breaks treatment into steps, similar to how dermatologists manage acne. However, the patch delivers treatment more quickly, precisely, and directly to the affected area without any extra effort.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-solutions-for-everyday-people">Skin solutions for everyday people</h2>



<p>To test the system, 20 people with acne tried the patches. On day one, they applied the antibacterial version. For the next six days, they used the anti-inflammatory version. The spikes dissolved in the skin within 30 to 90 minutes without pain or irritation.</p>



<p>Unlike creams or tablets, the patch delivered the medicine right where it was needed. Participants also appreciated the convenience, since the treatment blended easily into daily routines without drawing attention. </p>



<p>This made the patch not only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-skins-bacteria-could-be-a-natural-sunscreen/">effective</a> but also practical for real-world use, a critical factor when developing skincare solutions meant for everyday people rather than just controlled lab settings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acne-reduced-by-81-percent">Acne reduced by 81 percent</h2>



<p>The numbers were impressive. After three days, acne lesions dropped by 81 percent compared to untreated pimples. </p>



<p>After seven days, the pimples disappeared completely. Sebum levels, the oily substance linked to acne, also went down.</p>



<p>Satisfaction was high - 95 percent of participants said they were happy with the treatment. For people who struggle with breakouts, these results are difficult to ignore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-access-to-the-pimple-patch">Public access to the pimple patch</h2>



<p>The team doesn’t plan to keep this as a lab experiment. The patches are expected to hit the market in fall 2025 in South Korea and the United States. </p>



<p>Unlike trendy skincare products that vanish after a year, this one is backed by data. It is simple to use and clinically tested, making it stand out in a crowded industry.</p>



<p>The story doesn’t stop with pimples. Changing the ingredients could turn this small patch into a tool for tackling bigger medical problems.</p>



<p>“Our work highlights the potential of microarray patches as a platform for applications beyond acne treatment, ranging from skin disorders to obesity therapies and vaccine delivery,” explained Yong-Hee Kim.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-patch-big-future">Small patch, big future</h2>



<p>A simple sticker for acne may not sound groundbreaking. Yet this study shows how science can turn a daily nuisance into an entry point for new medical technology. </p>



<p>Today, it’s about clearer skin. Tomorrow, the same patch design might deliver vaccines or treat chronic diseases. That’s the kind of leap that starts small but matters everywhere.</p>



<p>And while acne may be the starting point, the broader lesson is clear: innovation often grows from solving everyday frustrations. What begins as a fix for a pimple could evolve into a platform that shapes future healthcare, proving that even the smallest inventions can spark big change.</p>



<p>The researchers are part of <a href="https://www.cursusbio.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cursus Bio Inc.</a>, a company that works on microarray technologies. Their efforts show how government support and private companies can push new treatments closer to real-world use.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsami.5c07718" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>ACS Applied Materials &amp; Interfaces</em></a>.</p>



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Pimples may soon be a thing of the past with new medical patch

Acne is annoying. It shows up suddenly, sometimes right before...

<p>When we walk across farmland, we see only the parts of plants above ground. Below the surface, roots provide stability, take up water and nutrients, and store carbon in the soil. Yet despite their importance, researchers have had no precise way to measure roots.</p>



<p>“We have always known that roots are important, but we have lacked a precise tool to measure them. It’s a bit like studying marine ecosystems without ever being able to dive beneath the surface of the water,” noted Henrik Brinch-Pedersen from <a href="https://international.au.dk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-ways-failed-to-measure-roots">Old ways failed to measure roots</h2>



<p>The usual way meant digging up soil, rinsing roots, drying them, and weighing them. It took hours and destroyed many of the fine roots that matter most. </p>



<p>Scientists also tried methods like rhizotrons or tracer studies. These helped but often underestimated root <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-roots-rewire-themselves-to-fight-drought/">biomass</a>.</p>



<p>Fine roots - the ones that take up nutrients and release carbon - were especially easy to lose. Without them, much of the underground story stayed invisible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-reveals-hidden-root-systems">DNA reveals hidden root systems</h2>



<p>Now comes droplet digital PCR, or ddPCR. Instead of tearing apart the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-roots-defy-gravity-when-water-is-scarce/">soil</a>, scientists divide a tiny sample into thousands of droplets and test each for DNA. They use a genetic marker called ITS2, which acts like a barcode. </p>



<p>This doesn’t just show that roots exist in the soil. It shows which species they belong to and how much they contribute.</p>



<p>“It’s a bit like giving the soil a DNA test. We can suddenly see the hidden distribution of species and biomass without digging up the whole field,” said Brinch-Pedersen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reliable-root-measurements">Reliable root measurements</h2>



<p>Earlier approaches like qPCR struggled with soil contaminants and inconsistent reactions. The ddPCR method avoids these problems by turning each droplet into a tiny reaction chamber. </p>



<p>The technology counts DNA molecules directly, using statistics to link those counts to root biomass. The result is a reliable measurement, even in complex soils with multiple plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-change-their-roots-to-survive-harsh-conditions/">species</a>.</p>



<p>The method also works across a wide range of concentrations. Whether the sample contains lots of roots or very few, ddPCR maintains accuracy. That flexibility makes it suitable for both small experimental plots and large, diverse fields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-method-works-in-mixed-roots">DNA method works in mixed roots</h2>



<p>To test it, researchers mixed soils containing ryegrass, white clover, and yarrow. They found that ddPCR identified each plant and measured its share of the underground biomass.</p>



<p>Hybrids like ryegrass crosses sometimes confused the system, but overall, the accuracy remained high.</p>



<p>Even when species grew together, the method could still tease apart their contributions. That is something old root washing methods could never do with confidence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-it-matters">Why it matters</h2>



<p>The new digital DNA method has the potential to transform how we study crops. Climate researchers can now calculate how much carbon plants actually store underground.</p>



<p>Breeders can choose crop varieties that send more growth into roots without hurting yields. Ecologists can finally see how plants compete or cooperate beneath the surface.</p>



<p>“We see great potential in using this method to develop varieties that store more carbon in the soil. It could become an important tool in future agriculture,” noted Brinch-Pedersen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roots-play-a-role-in-storing-carbon">Roots play a role in storing carbon</h2>



<p>Roots are more than anchors. They could be powerful allies in slowing climate change. Plants pull in carbon dioxide and send some of it underground, where it can stay locked away for decades. But without precise tools, proving this has been difficult. The ddPCR technology gives scientists that missing tool.</p>



<p>Imagine grasslands where certain species funnel extra carbon into deep roots. Or croplands where breeders select varieties with stronger underground storage potential. With the right choices, agriculture could shift from being a major emitter to a carbon sink.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-still-remain">Challenges still remain</h2>



<p>The method isn’t perfect. Hybrids remain tricky, since their DNA overlaps with parent species. Each plant type needs its own probe, which takes effort to design and test. </p>



<p>Probe development requires careful validation, because even small genetic changes can throw results off. Still, once a probe library expands, the technology becomes faster and easier to apply.</p>



<p>“For us, the most important thing is that we have shown it can be done. That is the foundation we can build upon. Our vision is to expand the DNA library so that in the future we can measure many more species directly in soil samples,” noted Brinch-Pedersen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-roots-with-dna-tools">Studying roots with DNA tools</h2>



<p>Droplet digital PCR already works in medicine for spotting rare mutations and pathogens. Applying it to roots is a natural next step. </p>



<p>Once established, the method is simple, scalable, and powerful. It could help create crops that store more carbon belowground while keeping food production steady.</p>



<p>Beyond crops, the technology could also reshape how we manage ecosystems. Grasslands, forests, and mixed farmlands all depend on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-roots-use-a-chemical-code-to-fight-stress-and-share-resources/">root systems</a> we rarely measure well. Now, we finally have a way to look underground without tearing everything apart.</p>



<p>For the first time, researchers can explore the hidden world beneath our feet - and measure it with confidence.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/plphys/article/198/3/kiaf276/8173641" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant Physiology</a>.</em></p>



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Unlocking the hidden half of plants with DNA

When we walk across farmland, we see only the parts...

<p>Commercial beekeepers entered 2025 with hives that should have been ready for almonds. Yet, many watched their colonies dwindle week after week. </p>



<p>Reports from across the United States pointed to deep bee losses and a puzzle that demanded answers fast.</p>



<p>In late winter, federal teams pulled samples and tallied the damage. </p>



<p>A USDA press account put the average losses above 60 percent since the prior summer, about 1.7 million colonies, with an estimated cost of $600 million.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bee-colonies-collapse-under-parasite">Bee colonies collapse under parasite</h2>



<p>A <a href="https://www.usda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA</a> preprint traced the crash to a sharp rise in viruses in <a href="https://honeybeenet.gsfc.nasa.gov/Honeybees/Basics.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honey bees</a>, coupled with widespread resistance in the parasitic mite that spreads them. </p>



<p>The team screened pooled samples from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/science-is-giving-beekeepers-a-better-way-to-fight-colony-collapse/">living colonies</a> and individual sick bees, then checked the mites for resistance markers.</p>



<p>The culprit was <em>Varroa destructor</em>, an external <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/tucson-az/carl-hayden-bee-research-center/research/varroa/varroa-overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parasitic mite</a> that feeds on bees and spreads viruses among them. When mite levels surge, virus transmission accelerates inside a colony, and the workforce ages out faster than it can be replaced.</p>



<p>In the lab, inocula taken from dying bees killed healthy bees even at extreme dilutions, aligning with field observations of rapid collapse.</p>



<p>The authors concluded that viruses were a likely end stage in the failure sequence. Other pressures probably primed colonies to collapse.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viruses-pushing-hives-over-the-edge">Viruses pushing hives over the edge</h2>



<p>Two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-it-possible-to-smell-pathogens-and-fight-them-before-an-infection/">pathogens</a> stood out: deformed wing virus and acute bee paralysis virus. Both are <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25675979/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-stranded RNA viruses</a>, and both can shorten adult lifespans and cripple brood production when they run unchecked.</p>



<p>Lead researcher Zachary S. Lamas is with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bee Research Laboratory (ARS).</p>



<p>"Miticide resistance was found in all collected <em>Varroa</em>, underscoring the urgent need for new control strategies for this parasite," he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-treatments-stop-working">When treatments stop working</h2>



<p>For years, many operations leaned on amitraz, a synthetic acaricide used to knock back mites. A miticide is a pesticide formulated to kill mites, and rotating products is one way to slow the development of resistance in the target pest.</p>



<p>An outside study linked a mutation in <em>Varroa</em> mites to their growing ability to survive amitraz treatments in the United States. </p>



<p>That mutation turns up when selection pressure favors mites that can survive a treatment, which leaves beekeepers with fewer reliable tools.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bee-parasites-spread-viral-threats">Bee parasites spread viral threats</h2>



<p>Honey bees are a managed pollinator, and their viruses do not always stay in one place. There is evidence that <a href="https://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/deformed-wing-virus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deformed wing virus (DWV)</a> can replicate in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-honey-bee-day-2025-why-pollinators-matter/">bumble bees</a> under certain conditions, even though natural transmission routes can be limited.</p>



<p>Spillover risk rises around dense apiaries where mites and viruses are abundant - an issue that matters because wild pollinators add resilience to landscapes that rely on many different insects to carry pollen.</p>



<p>That risk is especially relevant in large-scale pollination events. California’s almond bloom is the biggest managed pollination effort in the world. </p>



<p>Each year, about 2.4 million hives are required, with more than 1.5 million trucked in from across the country.</p>



<p>“Our nation’s food supply thrives and is sustained, by the work of our pollinators,” said Acting ARS Administrator Joon Park. And food production leans on bees for far more than just nuts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mite-behind-the-spiral">The mite behind the spiral</h2>



<p><em>Varroa</em> mites move quickly among adult workers and feed on developing brood. Even low numbers of this bee parasite can seed a virus outbreak that escalates as colonies ramp up.</p>



<p>Unchecked mite growth can push a colony past a tipping point, where older workers die faster than new workers emerge. At that stage, the population curve bends downward and the colony falters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressure-from-many-directions">Pressure from many directions</h2>



<p>Pesticide exposure, poor forage, heat, and transport stress can all weaken a colony’s ability to handle infection. </p>



<p>Those stressors do not act alone, and their combined effects show up in shorter lifespans and poorer brood patterns.</p>



<p>"While viruses are a likely end-stage cause of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parasitic-crickets-hide-in-ant-colonies-without-being-caught/">colony death</a>, these results do not rule out the importance of other long-known challenges to honey bees," said ARS Research Leader Dr. Judy Chen. She emphasized that viruses likely act as the last step in a chain of problems.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-action-on-bee-parasites-saves-colonies">Early action on bee parasites saves colonies</h2>



<p>Operations benefit from measuring mite loads on a schedule and treating before thresholds are crossed. Rotating active ingredients and incorporating non chemical tools like brood breaks can slow resistance and reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-spread-viruses-to-bumblebees-in-the-spring/">virus</a> pressure.</p>



<p>Nutrition still matters. Access to diverse pollen can support immune function in workers and help colonies recover from routine stress.</p>



<p>Researchers are screening bees and mites from new loss events to monitor resistance and viral combinations. The search is also on for new chemistries and non chemical strategies that can slot into real world workflows.</p>



<p>Better early warning would help. If beekeepers can catch mite numbers before winter, they can prevent the late season spiral that takes colonies down when they are least able to rebuild.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.28.656706v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>bioRxiv</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image: <em>Varroa destructor recto verso</em>, by Gilles San Martin, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Varroa_recto_verso_vertical.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wikimedia Commons</a>, CC BY-SA 3.0 license.</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Scientists identify the parasite that's driving bees 'into a death spiral'

Commercial beekeepers entered 2025 with hives that should have been...

<p>In the last 50 years, our eating habits have dramatically shifted. More people are living with excess weight and type 2 diabetes, men’s sperm quality has declined, and ultra-processed foods have come to dominate supermarket shelves.</p>



<p>The big question is whether the danger comes from the calories, the strange industrial ingredients, or the way processing itself changes food. A new study points straight at processing as the real problem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-same-calories-worse-results">Same calories, worse results</h2>



<p>The researchers ran a strict experiment with 43 young men. The participants followed two diets - ultra-processed and unprocessed - for three weeks each, with a break in between.</p>



<p>Meals were matched for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-almonds-can-help-you-cut-calories/">calories</a>, protein, fat, and carbs. Some men ate just enough for their bodies, while others got 500 extra calories.</p>



<p>The results were striking. Men eating ultra-processed foods gained about a kilogram (2.2 pounds) more fat than when they ate unprocessed meals. This occurred whether they ate normal or excess calories. Their cholesterol and blood pressure also shifted in unhealthy directions.</p>



<p>Jessica Preston conducted the study while pursuing a PhD at the University of Copenhagen's NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research (<a href="https://cbmr.ku.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBMR</a>).</p>



<p>“Our results prove that ultra-processed foods harm our reproductive and metabolic health, even if they’re not eaten in excess," said Preston. "This indicates that it is the processed nature of these foods that makes them harmful.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-processed-foods-and-health-effects">Processed foods and health effects</h2>



<p>The ultra-processed diet didn’t just add fat. It threw hormones off balance. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/testosterone-does-not-have-an-influence-on-success/">Testosterone</a> dipped, follicle-stimulating hormone fell, and sperm motility showed signs of decline. These changes hit key systems that regulate fertility.</p>



<p>Other hormones shifted too. Growth/differentiation factor 15, linked to metabolism, went down. Leptin, which signals satiety, went up. These shifts hint that processed diets alter how the body regulates weight, even when people don’t overeat. </p>



<p>Over time, such disruptions can weaken reproductive capacity, confuse hunger cues, and increase fat storage. Together, these hormonal changes paint a picture of how processed diets slowly rewire core biological systems, raising the risk of long-term metabolic and reproductive health problems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-pollutants-in-foods">Hidden pollutants in foods</h2>



<p>The men’s blood also carried more pollutants after the processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-lets-you-check-how-processed-your-food-is-grocerydb/">diet</a>. Levels of phthalates, chemicals from plastic packaging, went up. These are known to interfere with hormones. At the same time, lithium, a trace element that influences mood, dropped.</p>



<p>Researchers also saw changes in other industrial compounds, including perfluorinated chemicals. Some of these were connected to altered thyroid hormones and cholesterol. The food wasn’t just calories - it was a chemical delivery system. </p>



<p>With every bite, participants ingested substances their bodies never needed, silently building up in blood and tissues. Such exposures may explain why processed diets link not only to obesity, but also to fertility problems, mood changes, and chronic disease risk over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-rise-of-inflammation">Unexpected rise of inflammation</h2>



<p>Switching to an unprocessed diet improved many health markers, but it also caused a brief rise in inflammation. Scientists think this may have occurred because participants were used to eating large amounts of processed food, and the sudden switch shocked their systems.</p>



<p>Mental health effects also appeared. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-psilocybin-dose-helps-cancer-patients-beat-depression/">Depression</a> scores edged upward for some men on the ultra-processed diet, though anxiety and stress stayed about the same.</p>



<p>Romain Barrès is a professor at the University of Copenhagen’s NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research and the <a href="https://univ-cotedazur.eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Université Côte d’Azur</a>.</p>



<p>“We were shocked by how many body functions were disrupted by ultra-processed foods, even in healthy young men," he said. "The long-term implications are alarming and highlight the need to revise nutritional guidelines to better protect against chronic disease.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-processed-food-harms-health">Processed food harms health</h2>



<p>The study makes it clear that the problem with ultra-processed foods isn’t just overeating. Even when people consume the same number of calories as an unprocessed diet, their bodies respond differently. </p>



<p>Hormones that regulate fertility and metabolism become unbalanced, pollutants from packaging and additives accumulate, sperm quality declines, and fat mass increases. These changes happen regardless of whether someone is eating in moderation or in excess, showing that processing itself drives the harm.</p>



<p>Ultra-processed foods are hard to avoid. They show up as packaged snacks, instant noodles, sweetened breakfast cereals, frozen meals, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/processed-meat-can-cause-health-issues-even-in-tiny-amounts/">processed meats</a>. </p>



<p>They dominate many diets because they are cheap, tasty, and convenient. But the evidence now reveals that their risks go far beyond the idea of “junk calories.”</p>



<p>Ultra-processed foods alter body chemistry, weaken reproductive health, and quietly push the body toward chronic disease. This makes the shift to less-processed foods more than just a lifestyle choice - it is a step toward long-term health protection.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413125003602?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Metabolism</a>.</em></p>



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Ultra-processed foods disrupt a shocking number of body functions

In the last 50 years, our eating habits have dramatically...

<p>Picture an auto factory humming with energy. A robot rapidly assembles car doors while a human checks each one for quality. Their partnership looks seamless - with machines handling speed and strength, and people applying judgment and dexterity.</p>



<p>These scenes symbolize the growing integration of humans and robots across industries. But as the collaboration deepens, so do the risks. </p>



<p>Human error, unpredictability, and miscommunication can create moments robots are not prepared to handle - moments can have serious consequences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teaching-robots-safe-choices">Teaching robots safe choices</h2>



<p>Researchers are now tackling this challenge. At <a href="https://www.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CU Boulder</a>, Professor Morteza Lahijanian and his team are building processes that help robots make safe yet effective decisions around people.</p>



<p>In a new study, Lahijanian and graduate students Karan Muvvala and Qi Heng Ho have introduced algorithms that allow robots to manage risk while completing tasks.</p>



<p>“How do we go from very structured environments where there is no <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aquatic-robot-inspired-by-flatworms-can-swim-in-harmony-with-nature/">human</a>, where the robots are doing everything by themselves, to unstructured environments where there are a lot of uncertainties and other agents?” Lahijanian asked.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-predict-human-actions">Robots predict human actions</h2>



<p>Robots, like humans, rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-brain-has-a-simulator-that-imagines-scenarios-while-planning/">mental models</a> to make decisions. When working with a person, a robot predicts possible actions and adjusts accordingly.</p>



<p>“If you’re a robot, you have to be able to interact with others," said Lahijanian. "You have to put yourself out there and take a risk and see what happens. But how do you make that decision, and how much risk do you want to tolerate?”  </p>



<p>The team drew inspiration from game theory, a mathematical framework originally from economics. In robotics, game theory treats each robot as a player in a game. Winning means completing a task, but with humans involved, the game gets unpredictable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-algorithms-minimize-future-regret">Algorithms minimize future regret</h2>



<p>Instead of ensuring robots always win, the researchers proposed “admissible strategies.” With this approach, a robot aims to finish its job while minimizing harm. Safety remains the top priority.</p>



<p>“In choosing a strategy, you don't want the robot to seem very adversarial,” Lahijanian said. “In order to give that softness to the robot, we look at the notion of regret. </p>



<p>"Is the robot going to regret its action in the future? And in optimizing for the best action at the moment, you try to take an action that you won't regret.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-adapting-to-humans">Robots adapting to humans</h2>



<p>Back at the auto factory, imagine the human making repeated mistakes. Using the new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-robots-now-with-added-common-sense-and-ability-to-self-correct/">algorithms</a>, the robot might fix those errors safely. If that fails, it could relocate the task to a safer space, protecting both the product and the worker.</p>



<p>Much like a chess master predicting several moves ahead, robots can anticipate human choices. Perfect prediction is impossible, but proactive strategies prioritize safety.</p>



<p>“If you want to have collaboration between a human and a robot, the robot has to adjust itself to the human. We don't want humans to adjust themselves to the robot,” Lahijanian said.</p>



<p>This flexibility allows robots to work with novices and experts alike. Regardless of the human partner’s skill level, the robot must respond safely and intelligently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-factory-floor">Beyond the factory floor</h2>



<p>The auto factory is only one example. Hospitals could also benefit. Imagine a nurse and a robot sharing patient care tasks. </p>



<p>The robot might deliver medications or carry equipment, leaving the nurse free to focus on judgment-driven decisions. If errors occur, the robot could adjust without creating new risks.</p>



<p>Construction is another field where collaboration could shine. Robots could take on heavy lifting while humans manage fine-detail tasks like alignment or inspection. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-deciphers-plant-dna-a-breakthrough-that-will-transform-agriculture/">Agriculture</a> also stands to gain. </p>



<p>Machines could harvest crops at scale while farmers concentrate on resource management and sustainable practices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-ease-labor-shortages">Robots ease labor shortages</h2>



<p>When robots work safely with humans, they can provide clear benefits. Industries facing labor shortages, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-glimpse-of-the-future-robots-in-nursing-homes/">elder care</a>, could see relief. Physically demanding jobs might also become safer for human workers.</p>



<p>Lahijanian emphasized that robots are not meant to replace human talent but to expand it.</p>



<p>"Human-robot collaboration is about combining complementary strengths: humans contribute intelligence, judgment, and flexibility, while robots offer precision, strength, and reliability," he said. "Together, they can achieve more than either could alone, safely and efficiently."</p>



<p>The research was presented at the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence in August 2025.</p>



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Robots are using game theory keep humans safe

Picture an auto factory humming with energy. A robot rapidly...

<p>High Mountain Asia, often called the “Third Pole,” holds the largest store of ice outside the Arctic and Antarctic. Its glaciers have shaped landscapes, nourished rivers, and sustained communities for thousands of years. But today, these frozen giants are shrinking at a troubling pace. </p>



<p>Scientists have long agreed that warming temperatures drive the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-glaciers-can-be-saved-with-strong-climate-action/">retreat</a>, yet new evidence reveals another culprit: shifting rainfall and snowfall patterns, especially those tied to the South Asian monsoon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glaciers-losing-ice-faster">Glaciers losing ice faster</h2>



<p>The numbers are staggering. Glaciers across the region are losing more than 22 gigatons of ice each year, equivalent to nearly nine million Olympic swimming pools. </p>



<p>While rising temperatures explain much of the retreat, researchers from the <a href="https://www.utah.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a> and <a href="https://www.vt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> show that the timing and type of precipitation now play a major role. Rain falling instead of snow fuels melt, and shorter or weaker monsoon seasons reduce the ice that glaciers can accumulate.</p>



<p>“These findings highlight that glaciers dominated by the South Asian monsoons, such as the Central Himalaya, Western Himalaya and Eastern Himalaya, are especially vulnerable,” said Sonam Sherpa, assistant professor at the University of Utah and lead author of the study. </p>



<p>“If the timing and intensity of the monsoon continues to alter, it could accelerate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glaciers-from-the-rockies-to-the-alps-are-melting-much-faster-than-expected/">ice</a> loss and threaten water availability for millions downstream.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-billions-rely-on-glacier-water">Billions rely on glacier water</h2>



<p>The glaciers of High Mountain Asia supply freshwater to more than 1.4 billion people. These rivers sustain agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water across South and Central Asia. </p>



<p>As glaciers retreat more rapidly, rivers will depend less on glacial melt and increasingly on rainfall as their main source of water.</p>



<p>“Looking ahead, a faster retreat of mountain glaciers will shift the main source of river flow from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glaciers-are-melting-from-hidden-underwater-waves/">glacier</a> melt to rainfall, thereby heightening the risk of droughts in downstream regions for future generations,” said Susanna Werth, assistant professor at Virginia Tech and co-author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monsoon-impacts-on-glaciers">Monsoon impacts on glaciers</h2>



<p>To understand these shifts, the researchers used satellite gravimetry from NASA’s GRACE and GRACE-FO missions. These satellites can “weigh” changes in water storage, including ice, by measuring gravity variations.</p>



<p>Scientists corrected the data to account for groundwater use, soil moisture, surface water, and snow. They paired this with climate reanalysis models, dividing the year into four phases: winter, premonsoon, monsoon, and postmonsoon. </p>



<p>By analyzing rainfall and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glacier-melting-threatens-global-water-supplies-and-coastal-communities/">snowfall</a> separately, they revealed how timing and precipitation type affect glacier mass.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monsoon-timing-speeds-ice-loss">Monsoon timing speeds ice loss</h2>



<p>The experts found that glaciers respond more strongly to seasonal precipitation than to annual totals. </p>



<p>Cycles repeating every 3 to 4.5 years and 5 to 8 years match the natural rhythm of South Asian monsoons. In the Central Himalaya, glacier loss was tied to reduced premonsoon rainfall.</p>



<p>In the Eastern Himalaya, declining postmonsoon snowfall accelerated retreat. In the Western Himalaya, increased summer rain caused rain-on-ice events that sped melting. These details show that the seasonality of rain and snow is as important as overall precipitation amounts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-loss-differs-by-region">Glacier loss differs by region</h2>



<p>Different climate systems influence each subregion. Monsoon-fed glaciers in the Central and Eastern Himalaya show the highest rates of ice loss.</p>



<p>Glaciers dominated by the Westerlies, such as those in the Pamir–Hindu Kush and Karakoram, show slower declines or in some cases slight gains.</p>



<p>The Tien Shan, influenced by Siberian systems and western cyclones, also shows significant losses. These contrasts highlight how winds and precipitation phase shifts shape glacier health differently across the mountains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hazards-on-the-rise">Hazards on the rise</h2>



<p>Rapid melting brings hazards that are both immediate and long-term. Glacial lake outburst floods are becoming more common as ice retreats, creating unstable lakes held back by fragile moraine walls. Landslides and river floods often follow, putting downstream communities at risk.</p>



<p>“This risk is not only about long-term water shortages but also about immediate threats to lives and infrastructure,” said Sherpa.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-loss-under-stronger-monsoons">Glacier loss under stronger monsoons</h2>



<p>Climate projections suggest stronger and more intense monsoons in the coming decades, with possible changes in their timing. </p>



<p>By 2100, ice loss in monsoon-dominated basins could reach 38–58 percent, depending on future emissions.</p>



<p>Such a shift would profoundly affect river flows, agriculture, and disaster risks. The study emphasizes that improved monitoring networks are urgently needed to capture rain, snow, and temperature changes across high-altitude regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-communities-downstream">Protecting communities downstream </h2>



<p>High Mountain Asia’s glaciers are retreating under the combined weight of heat and shifting monsoons. Seasonal timing and the balance of rain versus snow now shape their fate more than annual totals. </p>



<p>Protecting communities downstream will require better observation and planning that accounts for these seasonal fingerprints. </p>



<p>The research makes clear that what happens in these mountains will ripple far beyond their valleys, potentially impacting the lives of more than a billion people.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11107312/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing</em></a>. </p>



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<p>-----</p>

Shrinking glaciers in the Himalayas are not just threatened by heat

High Mountain Asia, often called the “Third Pole,” holds the...

<p>More electric vehicles change city air in ways that are easy to miss. A new analysis comparing London, Milan, and Barcelona reports that battery electric cars cut brake dust by about 83 percent thanks to regenerative braking, while eliminating tailpipe emissions altogether.</p>



<p>That is only half the story. Electric cars also tend to be heavier, so they can increase tiny particles from tires even as brake dust decreases.</p>



<p>Benedetto Giechaskiel, PhD, European Commission Joint Research Centre (<a href="https://commission.europa.eu/about/departments-and-executive-agencies/joint-research-centre_en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JRC</a>), has led peer-reviewed work on how pads, discs, filters, and regenerative braking shape these non-exhaust particles. His measurements help translate lab findings into what commuters actually breathe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-new-study-found">What the new study found</h2>



<p>As tailpipes clean up, non-exhaust <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cutting-emissions-could-save-250000-lives-a-year-in-europe/">emissions</a> from brakes, tires, and road wear now make up a larger slice of urban particulate pollution, especially where traffic stops and starts. </p>



<p>A major OECD report details how braking patterns, vehicle weight, and road surfaces push these particles into the air and onto streets.</p>



<p>The London case stands out because frequent junctions and lights magnify braking, and that is where regenerative systems shine. </p>



<p>Electric vehicle drivetrains recover speed as electricity, so the friction brakes work less, slashing the dust that otherwise becomes airborne near crosswalks and bus stops.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brake-dust-is-different-from-tire-wear">Brake dust is different from tire wear</h2>



<p>Brake dust tends to produce more airborne fine particles at the curb, which is what people inhale. </p>



<p>By contrast, only a small fraction of tire wear becomes airborne PM10, with one comprehensive review estimating about one percent. Most tire fragments settle on roadsides or wash into drains.</p>



<p>That difference matters for exposure during rush hour. Fewer friction brake events in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dirty-power-the-hidden-climate-cost-of-electric-vehicles/">electric cars</a> therefore mean fewer of the particles most likely to get into lungs, even though heavier curb weights still nudge tire wear upward.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-public-health-researchers-care">Why public health researchers care</h2>



<p>“Clean air is fundamental to health,” wrote the AQI guideline authors for the World Health Organization in 2021. </p>



<p>Particulate matter is not one thing but a mix of sizes and chemistries, and the smallest particles, PM2.5, are most closely tied to asthma attacks, heart strain, and early death. </p>



<p>Brake dust also carries metals like copper and iron, while tires add rubbery microplastics and sulfur-bearing compounds. Scientists are mapping how these ingredients behave once they settle into soil and water, and how much re-enters the air as traffic stirs the surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-regenerative-braking-changes-the-math">How regenerative braking changes the math</h2>



<p>Regenerative braking is simple in concept. When a driver lifts off the accelerator, the motor runs as a generator, slowing the car without pushing pads onto discs and sending a surge of electricity back to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-created-carbon-14-battery-that-lasts-5700-years-without-a-recharge/">battery</a>.</p>



<p>That shift away from friction braking is why electric vehicle fleets can show sharp declines in brake emissions on busy city streets. </p>



<p>It also explains why data from multiple cities point in the same direction even though vehicle mixes and speeds differ.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rules-are-catching-up">Rules are catching up</h2>



<p>For the first time, the European Union’s limits regulate brake particle emissions, beginning with light duty vehicles type approved from late 2026, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tire-particles-flood-freshwater-with-toxic-microplastics/">tire wear</a> requirements to follow for passenger car tires from 2028 and later for other classes. </p>



<p>That step will not fix legacy fleets overnight, but it sets a clear target for manufacturers and city agencies planning low emission zones.</p>



<p>“The electrification of vehicles can reduce the emissions by 60 to 80 percent due to regenerative braking,” said Benedetto Giechaskiel, European Commission Joint Research Centre. Peer-reviewed findings back up the engineering logic on the road. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-city-air">What this means for city air</h2>



<p>More electric vehicles mean fewer fumes at street level and far less dust from brakes where people walk, wait, and bike. </p>



<p>Tires still shed material, but only a small slice becomes fine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-is-an-understudied-contributor-to-climate-change/">airborne dust</a>, and smarter street cleaning and runoff treatment can keep more of the heavier debris out of the air.</p>



<p>That adds up to practical choices for agencies and drivers. Smoother traffic flow, modest speed limits, and gentler driving styles trim brake and tire wear for every vehicle, while electrification removes tailpipe pollution and curbs the worst non-exhaust particles where they most affect health.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.eiturbanmobility.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/41-EIT-Emissions-Report-5a-Digital-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Atmosphere</em></a>.</p>



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This is what happens to the air in cities with more electric vehicles on the roads

More electric vehicles change city air in ways that are...

<p>We all know the pull of one more episode. Streaming services make it easy to keep watching, and though it often feels like a guilty pleasure, new research suggests it may not be entirely bad.</p>



<p>A study from the University of Georgia (<a href="https://www.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UGA</a>) highlights that binge-watching or marathon reading can actually strengthen how we remember stories. </p>



<p>These memories may not vanish once the credits roll but instead linger in our minds, shaping imagination and reflection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binge-watching-strengthens-memory">Binge watching strengthens memory</h2>



<p>The research connects this phenomenon to something called retrospective imaginative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-use-increases-smoking-vaping-risks-among-youth/">involvement</a>, or RII. It refers to how people continue to think about characters and events after finishing a story. </p>



<p>Rather than ending with the last chapter or episode, stories are reconstructed, expanded, and sometimes even altered in imagination.</p>



<p>“Humans are storytelling creatures. One of the functions of narratives is the ability to satisfy motivations for things like connecting with other people, feeling autonomous and confident, and even security and safety. Stories have characters that fulfill these roles, and we can satisfy those needs through them,” noted Joshua Baldwin, lead author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-and-imagination">Memory and imagination</h2>



<p>The study shows that people who binge-watch are more likely to engage with stories later, carrying them into daydreams. Consecutive viewing appears to help audiences create richer mental models of characters and worlds, which makes these stories more accessible in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-shape-what-goes-viral-on-social-media/">memory</a>. </p>



<p>By consuming content in longer stretches, viewers weave tighter connections across episodes and character arcs, allowing subtle details to resonate more clearly.</p>



<p>This means binging may support stronger recall in the short term, even if some details fade over time. More importantly, it keeps the emotional and thematic essence alive, which is what fuels imagination and encourages people to revisit stories in new, creative ways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-people-binge-watch">Why people binge watch</h2>



<p>Why people binge also matters. Some are drawn to stories to escape stress, while others seek to expand their sense of self through new perspectives. </p>



<p>The Temporarily Expanding Boundaries of the Self (TEBOTS) model suggests narratives allow people to step outside daily limits and experience autonomy, competence, and connection in imagined worlds.</p>



<p>Escapism-driven viewing, on the other hand, gives relief by pushing aside everyday stress. The study found both motivations can lead to retrospective imagination, though expansion motives appear more powerful in creating long-lasting engagement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enjoyment-versus-appreciation">Enjoyment versus appreciation</h2>



<p>Not all stories affect memory the same way. Lighter tales that are fun and easy to watch often spark simple recollections. </p>



<p>By contrast, appreciated stories (those that feel deep, moving, or even bittersweet) encourage people to reimagine, expand, and reshape them.</p>



<p>These more reflective narratives are especially likely to trigger dynamic forms of imagination, such as changing events or exploring hidden backstories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-and-leisure-time">Stress and leisure time</h2>



<p>Stress does not influence story recall in a simple way. When stress is low or moderate, imagination can act as a relief, giving people a way to unwind and mentally process experiences. In these cases, stories serve as a calming outlet.</p>



<p>However, when stress levels rise too high, the brain becomes overloaded, leaving fewer mental resources available for remembering or reflecting on narratives. Instead of nurturing imagination, the mind directs energy toward coping with immediate pressures.</p>



<p>Leisure time changes the picture. When people have free, relaxed moments, their minds are more open to revisiting favorite stories. These quiet breaks - during a walk, while chatting, or simply reflecting - create mental space for narratives to return, grow, and shape daydreams.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binge-watching-can-support-coping">Binge watching can support coping</h2>



<p>Binge-watching has often been criticized for harming sleep and well-being. But this research suggests the picture is more nuanced. </p>



<p>For some, it builds mental models that last well beyond the show itself. These memories and imagined extensions may even help people cope with challenges, making stories an ongoing psychological resource.</p>



<p>“People who have that habit of binge-watching shows often aren’t doing it passively but are actually actively thinking about it afterwards. They’re very much wanting to engage with stories, even when they’re not around to watch shows,” said Baldwin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stories-live-on-beyond-the-screen">Stories live on beyond the screen</h2>



<p>Most people think bingeing means wasting hours in front of a screen. But the study shows it can be much more than that. </p>



<p>When you get lost in a story, the characters and emotions often tag along even after you stop watching. Sometimes they reappear in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-dogs-binge-watch-television-everyday/">daydreams</a>, other times in quiet reflections when your mind drifts.</p>



<p>This habit doesn’t just strengthen memory. It can stir creativity, spark imagination, and even help people make sense of their own lives. </p>



<p>Stories can offer comfort, connection, or a fresh perspective - things we all need from time to time. That’s why they rarely end with the credits. Instead, they linger in our thoughts, shaping how we dream, reflect, and connect with the world.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001691825004147?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acta Psychologica</a>.</em></p>



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Why binge-watching may actually be good for you

We all know the pull of one more episode. Streaming...

<p>Every day, huge amounts of food go straight into the trash. Governments try new policies, supermarkets run campaigns, and restaurants push subtle nudges. Yet, waste piles up. Families still throw away edible meals while millions go hungry.</p>



<p>Researchers at the University of Portsmouth decided to ask a simple question: Do quick reminders like “save” or “reuse” actually change anything? Their answer points in a very different direction. Instead of being swayed by short messages, people’s long-term habits mattered most.</p>



<p>Those who already valued frugality wasted less food, while others hardly changed. The study shows lasting behavior change needs deeper roots.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frugal-cues-shaped-food-choices">Frugal cues shaped food choices</h2>



<p>Priming works by slipping subtle hints into people’s surroundings, shaping their decisions without much thought. A word like “reuse” on a menu or an image of a savings box can act as a signal. To test this, researchers worked with 95 participants.</p>



<p>Some received frugal prompts, while others saw materialistic ones. Then came the task: deciding whether to keep or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-has-a-surprising-impact-on-climate-change/">discard food</a> items at different stages of freshness. </p>



<p>The aim was to see if quick cues could change behavior in the moment. Would frugal prompts encourage saving food, or would deeper, long-term habits prove more influential in avoiding waste?</p>



<p>The results leaned heavily toward habits. People who already had a frugal outlook tended to waste less, regardless of the cues. In contrast, those with weaker frugal tendencies were more easily swayed, especially by materialistic signals that emphasized abundance and consumption. </p>



<p>This suggested that prompts alone were not enough. Without strong values in place, cues could even push some people toward more waste. For real impact, the study showed, consistent habits and ingrained mindsets mattered far more than momentary signals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-psychology-of-prompts">The psychology of prompts</h2>



<p>The results were striking. People with strong frugal habits <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-food-waste-greater-food-security-less-environmental-benefits/">wasted less food</a>, no matter the prompts. Those habits had more influence than any word or image.</p>



<p>Materialistic cues did push less frugal people to waste more. But participants who already lived frugally resisted the pull. Their everyday mindset acted like a shield. </p>



<p>This shows that strong values can override outside influences. When frugality becomes second nature, people stay consistent even when surrounded by messages promoting excess and consumption.</p>



<p>“Our findings suggest that quick nudges and priming cues are not enough to shift food waste behavior,” said Steven Iorfa, lead author and Ph.D. student at the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a>. “It’s people’s ingrained, everyday frugal habits that make the real difference.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-waste-fuels-global-crisis">Food waste fuels global crisis</h2>



<p>Food waste is more than an inconvenience, it’s a crisis. One-third of all food produced never gets eaten, even while billions of people struggle with<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-has-a-meal-memory-that-controls-hunger/"> hunger</a>. In 2023, more than 2.3 billion people faced food insecurity, and that number could rise as the population grows.</p>



<p>By 2050, nearly 10 billion people will need food, yet our current system already wastes too much. Reducing waste is not just about saving money or cleaning plates, it’s about survival. </p>



<p>Every meal saved means fewer resources wasted, less pressure on the environment, and more food reaching those who truly need it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-shopping-reduces-waste">Smart shopping reduces waste</h2>



<p>The findings suggest that posters, slogans, or quick nudges are not enough. What works is building frugality into daily life. People who plan meals, reuse ingredients, and avoid unnecessary purchases already save more food without thinking about it.</p>



<p>Researchers point to education and community programs as better paths. Teaching young people to cook with leftovers, showing families how to budget, and framing frugal shopping as “smart shopping” could help. </p>



<p>Schools could include lessons on food planning, while local initiatives might run workshops that connect frugality with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-food-systems-are-gaining-momentum/">sustainability</a> and community well-being.</p>



<p>“Frugality is more than a budgeting tactic,” said Iorfa. “It’s a mindset that encourages people to see waste as inconsistent with their values. If we want lasting change, we need to promote frugality as a social norm, not just rely on one-off prompts.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frugality-ensures-future-food">Frugality ensures future food</h2>



<p>Cutting food waste requires more than quick reminders or catchy slogans. Lasting change depends on habits that shape daily choices. </p>



<p>When people build routines like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ai-artificial-intelligence-changing-health-diet-fitness-exercise-approach/">meal planning</a>, reusing leftovers, and shopping mindfully, waste naturally decreases. Societies that value resourcefulness over abundance create environments where these habits thrive.</p>



<p>By shifting focus from one-time campaigns to long-term cultural norms, communities can resist wasteful influences and encourage mindful consumption. </p>



<p>This shift is not only about saving money but also about protecting resources and ensuring food security for billions. True progress comes from making frugality a shared, everyday practice across generations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950329325002319?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Quality and Preference</a>.</em></p>



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Key to cutting food waste is in our daily routines

Every day, huge amounts of food go straight into the...

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